January 2007

House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) today cast his vote in favor of cutting more than $500 million in earmarks hidden in the Democrats' massive omnibus spending measure. Blunt supports using those funds to reduce the deficit, maintain America's military and fight crimes related to methamphetamines, priorities which lose funding under the Democrats' plan. Full release

The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund issued the following statement in response to the announcement by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services of a proposed increase in the fee for naturalization...

The NALEO Educational Fund strongly condemns the exorbitant increase in the fee for naturalization proposed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), because it will put the dream of U.S. citizenship beyond the reach of many of our nation's newcomers. Full release

The newly revised budget bill to fund much of the federal government for the rest of this year will strengthen U.S. efforts to secure peace and protect refugees in Darfur, while opening the opportunity to save more than 100,000 additional lives through HIV/AIDS relief efforts, according to Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). Full release

In Iraq, dozens are dead as a result of sectarian warfare during this week's holy festival of Ashura. Iraqi authorities have promised to crack down on Sunni and Shiite insurgents. Full release

Today, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights announces their support for the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007, and applauds the efforts of Senators Barack Obama and Chuck Schumer who introduced the bill. Full release

Trafficking in persons is the equivalent of modern-day slavery. It is a crime that often involves the recruitment and smuggling of foreign nationals into the United States to force or coerce them into prostitution, labor or illicit sexual activity, and in many circumstances, it also victimizes U.S. citizens. Under the leadership of the President, this Administration has taken unprecedented efforts to combat the scourge of human trafficking. The Justice Department, along with federal, state and local partners, plays a key role in battling this deeply troubling, violent and often hidden crime. Full release

The federal First Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments on March 7 in Cook v. Gates (formerly Cook v. Rumsfeld), a constitutional challenge to the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual service members. The lawsuit, originally filed in December 2004 on behalf of veterans dismissed under the law, seeks the plaintiffs' re-instatement in the armed forces and the end of the ban on open service. Full release

Speaker Nancy Pelosi and members of the bipartisan congressional delegation that recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan held a news conference this afternoon to discuss their experiences and observations. Below are Pelosi's remarks:

"As is appropriate, my first trip outside of the United States as Speaker of the House was to visit our men and women in uniform -- to thank them for their courage, their patriotism, and their sacrifices that they are making and that their families are making for our country." Full Release

Following is a transcript of remarks by President Bush on the economy: Caterpillar, Inc., East Peoria, Illinois...

Thank you all. Thanks for letting me come by. Please be seated. Thanks for the warm welcome. It's good to be in the heartland of America. Thanks for coming to let me visit with you a little bit about our economy. I really want to thank the good folks at Caterpillar for letting me come by. I like it when they say, Team Caterpillar. Full release

Just as Mitt Romney has been under fire for flip-flopping on many of the key issues in this campaign and ducking others, the smooth talking presidential wannabe made the rookie mistake of billing himself as a "turnaround artist." [Boston Globe, 1/30/07] Romney may be describing his business experience, but the title is bound to stick considering his unrelenting campaign to charm voters into forgetting his conflicting positions on issues like taxes, gun control, marriage-even his own political heroes. Full release

The response of the Administration and the U.S. Congress to recommendations from the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the Pew Oceans Commission has not been sufficient to address the significant challenges facing our ocean. "The report card released today by the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative reflects modest improvements in caring for our ocean, particularly at the regional level, but the generally poor grades show how much work remains to be done," said Vikki Spruill, President and CEO of The Ocean Conservancy. Full release

The Democratic National Committee will hold its annual winter meeting to highlight "Strong Leadership for America's Future" in Washington, DC from February 1-3, 2007. The meeting will feature presentations from the Democratic Presidential contenders on their visions and ideas for America's future. Full release

Judicial Watch, the public interest group that promotes transparency, accountability and integrity in government, politics and the law, announced today that a U.S. District Court in Missouri denied a request by the American Civil Liberties Union lawyers made on behalf of a member of the Westboro Baptist Church to prevent the state from enforcing its statute limiting protests "in or about" the location of funeral services (Shirley L. Phelps-Roper v. Jeremiah W. Nixon, et al., No. 06-cv-4156-FJG). The ACLU filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the law on behalf of protesters who disrupted military funerals by picketing and conducting other protest activities. Full release

The Gallup Organization and the Spiritual Enterprise Institute [http://www.SpiritualEnterprise.org ], today released the results of a national survey on the state of religious and spiritual attitudes and practices in America. Full release

A new report on Iraq was released today that covers many subjects not touched on by the Iraq Study Group. Titled Citizens Report on Iraq: Attainable Victory vs. the Propaganda of Defeat, the report was conceived, researched and authored by independent citizens with experience in Iraq who are concerned that the American people and politicians are ill-informed about the situation in Iraq. Full release

The Energy Security Leadership Council, a bipartisan group of top business leaders and retired senior military officers, met today with President Bush in the White House to discuss the group's Recommendations for fundamentally changing U.S. policy concerning oil consumption and production. Full release

A former Department of Defense (DOD) contractor was sentenced to nine years in prison and ordered to forfeit $3.6 million for his role in a bribery and fraud scheme involving contracts in the reconstruction of Iraq, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher of the Criminal Division announced today. Full release

Rear Admiral Timothy Ziemer (U.S. Navy, retired), the President's Malaria Coordinator, announced his intent to name Dr. Bernard Nahlen to serve as Deputy Coordinator of the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI). Dr. Nahlen is a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Public Heath Service and has most recently served as Senior Advisor, Monitoring and Evaluation, at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Full release

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee announced Monday he has filed the necessary paperwork to form an exploratory committee as part of a 2008 presidential bid.

"This is an opportunity for me to show the American dream is still alive," Huckabee said to a group of state GOP leaders Monday in Little Rock. "By filing papers with the Federal Election Commission, I'm officially taking the next step to become a candidate for President of United States." Full release

The American Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections (AMT), a national coalition of major American Muslim organizations, today said the new prison sentence given to former Florida professor Sami Al-Arian amounted to unconstitutional "double jeopardy." Full release

With a renewed focus on passing real comprehensive immigration reform and following President Bush's State of the Union address, immigrant rights groups will gather for an action-packed three day "Standing FIRM!" Summit in Washington, DC. The summit, hosted by the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM), will be the first major gathering of immigrant rights groups in Washington since the start of the new Congress. Full release

Newt Gingrich has indicated that running for president would now be "last resort" but that hasn't stopped a new nationwide effort from forming to urge him to run for the presidency.

"Today, we are launching a major nationwide grassroots presidential draft effort, in the spirit of Reagan and Goldwater, to urge Newt Gingrich to run for the Republican Presidential nomination," said campaign founder David W. Kralik. Full release

Over 1.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Iraq, most with urgent needs in the most basic services, continue to present numerous challenges for the Iraqi national authorities and the international community. Full release

The following is a statement issued by the White House Press Secretary:

The United States strongly condemns the terrorist bombing in Eilat today, which resulted in the death of at least three civilians. Our condolences go out to the victims, their families, and the people of Israel. We also condemn those Palestinian terrorist groups, including Hamas, that condone these barbaric actions. Full release

The American Jewish Committee welcomes the UN General Assembly resolution condemning Holocaust denial. One hundred and three member states co-sponsored the resolution, which was adopted today without a vote, underscoring the universal significance of the Holocaust. AJC extends its gratitude to all UN members who co-sponsored and supported the resolution. Full release

In the face of overwhelming opposition from the American public to the Bush-McCain plan to escalate the Iraq War, presidential hopeful John McCain yesterday proposed a Senate resolution that would include "a series of benchmarks" he has long opposed. Full release

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will be a guest on NBC's "Meet the Press" with Washington Bureau Chief and moderator, Tim Russert on Sunday morning, Jan. 28. The former governor will discuss a range of topics, including his future plans. Full release

His Majesty King Abdullah II on Friday challenged delegates at the World Economic Forum in Davos to use their insights, tools and strategies to articulate a new vision for the Middle East. Full release

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad, and House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt today sent the following letter to President Bush, urging him to change course from his reckless fiscal policies of the past and adopt new fiscally responsible policies in his fiscal year 2008 Budget. Full release

A delegation of Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious leaders will meet with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the State Department on January 29 to support increased U.S. engagement in achieving peace in the Middle East. Full release

Emergency and other relief services firms saw revenue increase from $6.7 billion in 2004 to $8.5 billion in 2005 -- a 27 percent rise -- according to a report released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. Full release

On Monday, January 29 sixteen people will appear in federal court for peacefully walking onto a military base in protest of a controversial Army training school. Each person faces up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine for this act of nonviolent civil disobedience. Full release

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today released the following statement on President Joe A. Garcia's State of Indian Nations Address to the National Congress of American Indians...

In his address to the National Congress of American Indians today, President Garcia described the state of the Indian Nations as strong. In the face of difficult odds, American Indians continue to be a vital force in our country -- people who contribute to every facet of our nation. Full release

Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter made it official today, he's running for President in 2008, and he is offering the American people more of the same failed course. According to CNN, Hunter reiterated his support for President Bush's failed strategy in Iraq and for the President's plan to escalate the war as he made his announcement. Full release

Following is a statement from Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), chairman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, on the President's State of the Union address...

Tuesday night the President talked about his domestic priorities -- about hope and opportunity, about keeping the economy moving, and about doing it with more enterprise, not more government. Full release

Save the Children and the Warm Up America! Foundation will host a reception at the Textile Museum in Washington, D.C., (2320 S. Street, NW), at 5:30 pm, Wednesday, January 31, 2007, to honor more than 18,000 Americans who have created over 250,000 baby caps to help save the lives of newborns in developing countries. Full release

The Justice Department is committed to working in partnership and continuing its support of state and local law enforcement in New Orleans. In the wake of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina, the Department has endeavored to strengthen the collective ability of all levels of law enforcement to address the emerging challenges and find new ways to help reduce crime. Full release

Truth Wins Out announced today that it would file a complaint this week with Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood against the Tupelo, Mississippi-based American Family Association for selling a misleading video on its web-site titled, "It's Not Gay." In a letter to Hood, Truth Wins Out urged him to expeditiously pull this fraudulent video from the marketplace, require a written apology from the AFA and that refunds be offered to dissatisfied consumers. Full release

Following is a transcript of remarks by President Bush in meeting with the Joint Chiefs and Combatant Commanders...

It's my pleasure to welcome Secretary Gates, the Joint Chiefs, and the combatant commanders to the White House. First of all, it's an honor to be in the presence of such fine citizens, men who are doing their duty to protect this country. Full release

DraftObama.org, the nation's leading grassroots movement to encourage Illinois Senator Barack Obama to run for President in 2008, today announced the launch of an "Honorary Celebrity Members" class for the Draft Obama movement. Headquartered at http://www.DraftObama.org/celebrities, the website offers a running tally of the growing number of incredibly talented, thoughtful and diverse "Barack Stars" -- celebrities who have said or strongly implied they would support Barack Obama for president. Full release

Veterans for America strongly supports Senator Byrd's resolution introduced today, which states that Congress must approve any offensive military action by the United States against another nation. In recent weeks, the Bush administration has taken steps that hint at the possibility of the war in Iraq being widened to include Iran. Before such action is undertaken, a full congressional debate must occur and legislative approval must be granted. Full release

Following President Bush's lead, who used his State of the Union address to reaffirm his commitment to a failed strategy in Iraq, John McCain rushed to dig his heels in on the unpopular and much criticized Bush-McCain plan to escalate the Iraq war. Despite admitting that the troop increase might not be enough, McCain made the rounds on television to cement his support for the President and his failed strategy. Full release

Last night in his State of the Union Address, President Bush took a bold and innovative step toward creating tax equity, calling for an end to the employee tax exclusion for health insurance and replacing it with a standard tax deduction. Full release

Living in a "red" state appears to be more hazardous to the health of millions of American children, according to startling data contained in a major new book, "Homeland Insecurity ... American Children at Risk." Full release

More bountiful defense budget increases and scarcer spending cuts pushed the yearly price tag of President Bush's State of the Union proposals past $12 billion, according to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation's (NTUF's) popular and annually updated analysis. Full release

Caterpillar Inc.Chairman and CEO Jim Owens commended President Bush for placing a national priority on critical energy efficiency and climate change proposals in his State of the Union Address.

"Caterpillar is encouraged by proposals the President put forth to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while protecting economic growth and energy security. Many of these initiatives emphasize proven, market-based technology solutions to GHG emissions." Full release

Sister Carol Keehan, DC, president and chief executive officer of the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA), issued the following statement in response to President Bush's State of the Union address.

It is encouraging that President Bush presented health care as a domestic priority in his State of the Union message, especially given the urgency of providing health care for millions of people in the U.S. who do not currently have any kind of insurance coverage. Full release

Within hours of its conclusion, the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy (DMI) released its annual "Instantaneous Analysis" of the State of the Union address. DMI's report is unique because it analyzes the speech from the perspective of what is in the best interest of America's middle class and those aspiring to join the middle class. Full release

President Bush again called for Congress to match his commitment to Social Security reform in Tuesday's State of the Union address. "Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid are commitments of conscience -- and so it is our duty to keep them permanently sound. Full release

In his State of the Union Address tonight, President George W. Bush will cite the need for immigrants to the United States to learn English and assimilate into our society, according to information released from the White House. In a State of the Union fact sheet regarding immigration, the White House heavily emphasized the importance of English as our common bond and as a key factor of assimilation into the United States. Full release

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